Varitek staying involved with Red Sox

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Jason Varitek announced his retirement about a year ago — then found the baseball bug is a pretty hard one to shake.

"I became a fan," the former Boston catcher said Wednesday. "I was as excited for opening day as I was for a player. I was actually playing golf, and I got it on my phone and I'm watching the game."

Varitek is back in camp with the Red Sox after being named a special assistant to the general manager in September. Whether he's working with catchers or taking in as much information as possible about the inner workings of an organization, the former Boston captain seems at peace with his decision to walk away during spring training last year.

"I just started recently, actually doing some working out and exercising, and I couldn't really squat down. I could squat down a little better now than I could 10 days ago," Varitek said. "You miss it. You miss the competition, you miss the camaraderie with the guys in the locker room, and competing. But I understand that I passed my mark."

Varitek spent his whole big league career with the Red Sox, winning over the Boston fans with an unyielding work ethic. He caught four no-hitters, made three All-Star teams and won two World Series titles.

He was 39 when he retired, leaving a legacy that made him an ideal candidate to come to camp and work with younger players.

"The guy's talented, he's a good athlete. He studies hard, he's prepared," said catcher David Ross, who played for the Red Sox briefly in 2008 and is on the team again this year. "I'd say he's one of the most prepared guys I've ever been around. It was a lot of fun being his teammate."

When Varitek was hired as a special assistant, general manager Ben Cherington said he'd be involved with all sorts of work, including major league personnel decisions, evaluations, and mentorship and instruction of young players.

At this point, Varitek sounds willing to be patient while sampling a wide range of tasks. He wasn't too specific Wednesday about any possible next moves as he transitions to the next phase of his life.

"That's the purpose of it, is to learn, and to learn once again, different avenues. ... You know the baseball side, what it's like on the field," he said. "I'm enjoying these days of being on the field, because that's what I'm most accustomed to, but that learning process — there's a lot of things to be involved with over the next six, eight months."

With his golf game showing little to no improvement ("I still stink") Varitek is enjoying the chance to provide hands-on guidance to current players at spring training. Pedro Martinez has also been around camp -- he's a special assistant to Cherington, too.

"That's the fun part," Varitek said. "It's the game. That's the part that I love most. I don't play, I'm not a player anymore, so if I can pass on things or help someone, or be a helpful hand, another sounding board, then that's what I'll be."

After Varitek's departure, the Red Sox struggled through a nightmarish 69-93 season. John Farrell takes over this season as Boston's manager, and the Red Sox are hoping for a quick return to prominence with newcomers like Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino and Joel Hanrahan.

Varitek said last season was tough to watch — but his passion for the game and this team is still there.

"That's all behind them. They've got new faces, new people, new manager, great coaching staff," he said. "Can't really do much about what has happened. They've got to push as a team and an organization — push forward."

The Red Sox acquired Mike Carp from the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday, adding another potentially useful bat to their roster shortly before the start of exhibition games.

Seattle designated the 26-year-old Carp for assignment earlier this month, and the Mariners will receive a player to be named or cash from Boston. Carp can play both first base and left field.

“It increases the competition,” Boston manager John Farrell said. “We’ve been able to add a talented player to camp here, someone that we’ve had conversations about throughout the course of the offseason. Finally he became available.”

Carp was drafted by the Mets in 2004, and he was traded to Seattle in December 2008 in a deal that sent reliever J.J. Putz to New York. He appeared in 173 games with Seattle from 2009-12 and batted .255 with 28 doubles and 18 homers. In 2011, Carp hit .276 with 12 homers in a career-high 79 games. His average dipped to .213 in 59 games last year.

The Mariners have Justin Smoak and Kendrys Morales as their top first basemen. Carp also played some outfield but was deemed expendable with the club in need of pitching. He was designated for assignment Feb. 12 to make room on the 40-man roster for pitcher Joe Saunders.

Boston made room for Carp on its 40-man roster by putting outfielder Ryan Kalish on the 60-day disabled list. Kalish is recovering from right shoulder surgery.

The Red Sox signed Jonny Gomes to play left field. Fellow newcomer Shane Victorino is expected to be in right, with Jacoby Ellsbury in center.

Boston is hoping Mike Napoli can be its regular first baseman, but there are still roster spots available that Carp could fill. The Red Sox signed first baseman Lyle Overbay to a minor league contract, but his chance of making the team may be diminished with Carp’s arrival.

“You bring guys in here to win games and to give options, because you never know those unknowns. I think their biggest thing was playing outfield and first base,” Overbay said. “I knew all that coming into it, so it’s not that big of a surprise. I’ll just do what I can, and see if I fit. That’s all I can do.”